getting older

[BertieB44]

hi I’m a 67 year old female who has just started taking blood pressure tablets it seemed my BP was a roller coaster the more I thought about it the worse it got spiking at 196/112, I’ve now got very high cholesterol it’s currently 7.02, I don’t smoke drink or eat fatty foods but eat a healthy balanced diet my BMI is 26 so could probably do with losing a few lbs. I’m not good at excersise I lead an active life and still work full time. Is there an alternative to statins. I also have an under active thyroid and take thyroxine, I have read that an active thyroid makes cholesterol higher, but is that the case if it’s controlled by medication. I’ve been lucky enough to see my GP but the appointment definitely doesn’t allow for questions to be asked. Anyone have any suggestions. I’m hoping not to keel over anytime soon my daughter is getting married in June. I hate taking all the medication xx

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Statins are prescribed globally for millions of people, to manage lipid profiles for the better, and to stabilise existing arterial plaque so bits are less likely to break off and form blockages leading to possible strokes and heart attacks. Next any side effects affect less than 10% of users. And if one statin gives side effects others may not. So the reason statins are prescribed so widely is that the reduction in heart health risks usually far outweighs the side effects issues. In your case your total cholesterol is well above the current UK recommended max of 5, and it is likely your LDL, the bad cholesterol, is also above the max. But it is true you can reduce your lipids by lifestyle changes, including body weight management, exercise, and importantly diet, but usually not so much as when statins are taken, especially if you are already doing many of the good things in the first place. But if you do decline statins and rely on lifestyle changes, the measures you adopt are truly for life, and a soon as you relax them your cholesterol count will rise and ultimately you are back to square one.

[MONIREN]

Hi, I started my heart journey 13yrs ago, I've just turned 69, also female. I was able to stay on the lowest dose of statins with cardiologist approval until recently. Now need that extra boost. It is about lifestyle changes but sometimes you have to accept your body needs help. But I want you to know, everyone is different, everyone has different side effects. Just be patient, some symptoms subside after a while. But if not, don't be afraid to let them know, don't try to change them yourself. Natural products also have risks. Plus you love your family, and want to be there for the special times. I hope you are able to find a compromise. Take care. Moni

[Barre01]

satins = side effects to many, try to switch it around to statins = protection of your future health. We are fortunate to have the chance of a healthier life than previous generations, just by popping a few pills.

[figster]

Hello,

The joys eh?! Your thyroid issues are very much linked to BP and cholesterol levels. Some people are able to reduce both to normal levels just by optimising their T4 and T3. I should stress some not all.

There are loads of posts about this in the thyroid healthunlocked group. Hop across and have a read then you can consider your options. There are alternatives to statins and some people are using them with good effect.

[readyabout]

BertieB, I had higher than I would like BP, and Cholestrol moving up. I have a healthy lifestyle and am reasonably active, also a veggie for many years, I take Plant Sterols (Healthspan) for Cholestrol, as suggested a few years ago by GP, no statins so far... BP is managed by herbal supplements and tinctures - suggest a visit to a Naturopath who is a Herbalist and Iridologist, which would identify issues which other tests may not.

[Happyrosie]

there’s a lot of I for action about blood pressure on blood Pressure UK, the specialist charity.

[Qualipop]

Don't worry about taking statins. If one doesn't suit there are others. The reports of side effects make it sound like a big problem but it's only people who do have problems who post. Thousands take them without problems. Your thyroid will undoubtedly have an effect on your BP. Why not phone the BHF nurses. Phone number is on the main BHF page. They are really helpful.

[Islandwoman6]

I refuse to take the statins. My Dr not happy but my body, my decision. One alternative thru much research is to take Vit K2 with Vit D3 . They do come together and I buy it in the oil form. No taste. Easy to digest this way. Best taken with your biggest meal with some fats. I have lives a very healthy lifestyle most of my life lots of exercise too. Never smoked. Rarely drank. Normal weight and good BMI. Still got calcium buildup in arteries plus afib and angina. Not very pleased.

[Milkfairy Heart Star in reply to Islandwoman6]

I have read your bio which says you have chest pain at rest. Not all types of angina are due to blocked coronary arteries.

Vasospastic angina is caused by transient constrictions of the coronary arteries, a common symptom is chest pain at rest.

The other cause of chest pain at rest is unstable angina which can be a potential sign of an acute cardiac event.

It is of course your body however I hope your decision is the right one for you.

[Judithdalston]

part way thru reading about your high cholesterol I was thinking ‘what about her thyroid?’…. Are you sure you are properly controlled with having all thyroid bloods done for TSH, FT4 and FT3, as yes good thyroid control should lessen cholesterol.